Ironweek is Here

"The brick walls are there for a reason. The brick walls are not there to keep us out. The brick walls are there to give us a chance to show how badly we want something. Because brick walls are there to stop the people who don't want it badly enough. They're there to stop the other people."

Welcome to Ironweek 2010. It's all pretty real.

I had great intentions of keeping up the blog through my Ironman training this year, but as it turns out it takes a whole lot of time to train for these bad boys. The training, trying to hold down the job, staying married, and occasionally see friends (although I failed on the last one) didn't leave much time for writing.

But nearly a year ago I did sign up for Ironman Wisconsin. I had no plans to until that day. I had been following people the Sunday of the race, checking out their photos on Facebook the next day, and thinking about when I would take on the big race.

At work the Monday after, I called the pre-wife (this was 2 weeks pre-wedding), "Hey, remember how we talked about doing that Ironman... what would you think if I signed up for Ironman Wisconsin next year?"

"You might as well take care of it now."

Well, she didn't say no. I pushed a bit further, "You do realize this is going to be a LOT of training. WAY more than I did for the half."

"Listen, I support you. If you want to do this, go for it."

Huh. OK.

So I posted on the facebook.

David Murphy What are you guys doing at noon today? Is anyone taking the plunge into IMoo 2010?

My friend Tammy was first to respond, something about how watching the day before made her tired. Then...

Elizabeth Waterstraat Do it!

Kelli Are you - Seriously I think you should!

No matter who you are there are certain people you look to for approval and guidance. Liz has been my tri coach since June of 2009 and Kelli had been my training partner who had done Ironman Louisville a few weeks earlier. In the case, they were the exact people I needed to hear from.

David Murphy I do Imoo

Holy crap was that premature.